“You make the cold glass!” I said.
A flash of pride. “Yeah.” But then he switched to sarcasm. “More money for the Bloodrose Clan. Yippee.” He kicked the sand. “At least it worked better than the sea glass. That didn’t go at all like I had hoped.”
The sea glass had been found by Heli and brought back to the Stormdancers’ cave. Infused with magic, the glass made everyone go crazy with desire. They had fought over the pieces until I figured it out and diffused the magic.
“Was the sea glass a message for help?” I asked.
“Yes, but I couldn’t control my power so it backfired.”
Heli had been right. She had said she was close to deciphering the code. Mixed emotions rolled through me. If she understood the plea for help, would she tell Kade? Or rush to the rescue on her own? Knowing Heli, she would come alone and get herself into trouble. At least she was busy with the storm season.
“The issue with the messengers was resolved, but Walsh’s fascination with the quirks of magic, his words not mine, continued. He decided to implement his breeding program to see what would happen.”
I asked Quinn why the clan obeyed Walsh. “You outnumber the guards and he’s the only one with magic.”
“A few have tried, but they’re caught and punished. The first offense is a beating and confinement, but after that they force you to watch them hurt someone you care about….” He shuddered. “Everyone’s terrified.”
Valek’s lessons in strategy bubbled in my mind. “A few people won’t work anyway. Everyone needs to be committed. If the entire clan attacks at a prearranged time, it would be hard to counter.” I tapped my leg. “You’ll need a leader. Someone to convince them and to organize them. You’ll need captains who could be in charge of different areas.”
Quinn stared at me as if I had gone insane. Perhaps I had, but as much as I wanted to fix this situation, I couldn’t do it myself.
“If I’m caught helping you, my sister…” He shook his head.
“Where are they holding her?”
“She’s Walsh’s assistant. If I make any trouble, she’s within easy reach.”
“Even at night?”
He spat in disgust. “Especially at night. Who do you think is the baby’s father?”
Bile pushed up my throat. “Walsh.”
Bitterness rolled from Quinn. “Give the lady a prize.”
Walsh already started the program, but he wasn’t the only magician. “Did he—”
“He sends a new girl to me every couple of nights.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know what else to say.
“Don’t worry. He still gives me some privacy. We rumple the bedding and make appropriate noises to entertain the guards outside my door. But Walsh’ll figure out what I’m not doing soon enough.”
“When no one becomes pregnant.”
“Yep. Then my privacy will be gone.”
“Don’t wait for that time. Take action. All those girls are probably grateful and their families would support you.”
“Won’t work. We don’t have weapons. Walsh’s guards can’t be bribed. We can’t get messages out. And now they dragged you here,” he said. “Just as screwed and helpless as the rest of us. Do you really believe you can fix it?”
“No idea. But I’m going to try.”
Over the next few days, I bided my time and worked with Quinn. With the kiln up and running hot, I created the super messengers as ordered. Galen seemed distracted and I took advantage. We experimented with the glass. In addition to creating the cold glass, Quinn could produce hot glass as well.
I dwelled on the positives. Quinn was free of blood magic. There had to be a way to capitalize on that. He could also move around the compound without causing suspicion. Each night as I slept in the brig—a large cottage with a couple of locked rooms, bars on the windows, a cement floor and an area for a guard—I planned out Quinn’s next lesson.
I taught Quinn how to thumb a bubble and we made an orb. Any glass container would work, but an orb reminded me of Kade and happier times. After I cracked off the orb into the annealing oven to cool, I showed him the amazing versatility of glass.
“If you sand the edge with the flat side of a diamond, it will become sharp enough to cut skin,” I said. I also instructed him on fighting tactics, and how to spot weaknesses in an opponent.
Quinn understood my hints. During one session, he rounded on me in anger. “It’s easy for you to talk about a rebellion. You have nothing at stake. You have all this magic, yet you obey Galen and Walsh. You can use one of those super messengers and call for help for all of us. But you hand them over. Why should I listen to you?”
“Because, if you think fighting back now is too hard, if I use my magic to send for help, you will have no chance at all.” I explained about the blood connection. “I’m saving my free magic to take out your two biggest opponents. In fact, if you organize a revolt, don’t tell me any of your plans. Don’t trust me. If Galen forces me to use my magic and I’m…lost to him, take me out first. I’ll be your strongest opponent.”
Quinn looked a little green, but he nodded.
Unfortunately, whatever had distracted Galen stopped after four days. Then he launched an aggressive campaign to get me to use my magic. I resisted even when the guards whipped a woman. Quinn needed more time, and I rationalized one person’s suffering, although horrible, was better than the whole clan being in danger. After three unsuccessful days, Galen switched to children and I could no longer resist.
The links in my chain built rapidly. Five days later the shakes started. I ignored the initial signs of withdrawal and concentrated on teaching Quinn. But once the tremors in my muscles could no longer be disregarded, I raced to the brig and collapsed on the bed. The hunger grew inside me. I fought it, keeping my thoughts on other things—my family, friends, Kade, Devlen. In time, nothing distracted me from the need. Every single part of me craved magic and I struggled with the desire to pull it toward me. The suffering seemed endless.
I was granted a moment of clarity and relief when Galen visited. He held my orb in one hand. His other rested on my arm.
He brandished the orb. “What were you planning to do with this?”
Strung out, I couldn’t produce any emotions over his discovery. “Suck you and Walsh dry,” I said.
“In order to siphon my magic, you would have to sacrifice your own again.”
I shrugged. “Unoriginal, but it works.”
“Temporarily.”
“Why?”
“Walsh and I have stockpiled our blood. Drain us now and we’ll just reclaim it by injecting our saved blood. Thanks to you, we already know it works.”
“Glad to be of service.” At this point sarcasm remained my only weapon.
Galen handed me the orb. Potential throbbed under my fingertips. Too easy. A trap. “What if I just drain myself?” I asked.
“Go ahead.”
A trick. In order to siphon my own magic, I would have to use magic. The effort would finish the chain and he would stop me. Not enough time for Quinn.
“I didn’t think you’d fall for it,” Galen said. “You’re very resistant. It’s a good quality. However Walsh is very impatient.” He removed his hand.
The longing returned full force. I trembled and shook. Sweat stung my eyes as wave after wave of raw need rocked me. At one point I realized I still clutched the orb. A survival instinct kicked in and I closed my eyes, focusing on the potential in my hands. I was desperate enough to try siphoning my powers, hoping I could do it faster than Galen could stop me.
Summoning the strength, I— The orb was yanked away.
“No,” Galen said.
I opened my eyes. He loomed over me. Before I could protest, he jabbed a needle into my arm.
Instant relief spread throughout my body, smothering the craving.
Galen’s gleeful voice woke me.
“Today’s the day.” He poked my arm.
I flinched away. “The
day for what?” I asked.
“The final link in your chain. This is going to be fun and so easy.” Galen strode from my room and flung the main entrance door wide-open. Heli stood on the other side.
26
I LEAPED TO MY FEET. HELI! OH NO! THE SUNLIGHT glinted off the blond streaks in her light brown hair. She had pulled it into a ponytail, but a few wisps had escaped and clung to her cheek. Despite being in utter shock over seeing me alive, terror gleamed in her eyes.
She wore a Bloodrose tunic. But the gray fabric had been wrapped around her, trapping her arms in the material.
I hid my dismay at her presence. It was a token effort and Galen knew it, as well.
“We found her trespassing.” Galen pulled Heli inside. Two more guards entered, bringing the total to three.
“A friend of yours, right?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “What I want to know is how she found you?”
“You deciphered the message on the sea glass, didn’t you?” I asked her.
Her gaze jumped to Galen.
“Answer me,” I snapped, drawing her attention back.
“Yes.”
Her voice remained strong. Good. Although I wondered why she hadn’t tried to use her magic to escape.
“And you took off without telling anyone, didn’t you?” I asked.
Understanding flashed in her eyes. She dipped her head as if ashamed. “Yes.”
“What message?” Galen asked.
“On Quinn’s sea glass collection. A generic cry for help. Right?” I asked her.
“It said he was being held against his will.” She licked her lips. “I came to check it out.”
“And you found a ghost,” Galen said. “This must be the season for reunions. Even an old friend of mine showed up a few days ago. What is it about flag-raising ceremonies? Brings out the long lost. But I believe you’re already acquainted with my friend.” He leaned outside. “Come say hello.”
Devlen entered the brig. A jolt zipped through my spine. His bare arms hung at his sides. Tattoos covered them. My heart melted, dripped into my guts and solidified. I met his gaze and saw what I needed to see.
“Let her go, and I’ll cooperate,” I said to Galen.
He laughed. “She knows too much. And I know who she is. She created a sandstorm trying to escape.” He gestured to her. “Can’t do anything now that she’s wrapped up in a null shield.”
The strange tunic. Only a few people knew null shields could be grafted to clothing. I scowled at Devlen.
“He’s been a fountain of information,” Galen said. “I also know you care about her. Maybe you care enough to use your magic to save her?”
My fears realized, I braced myself for the ultimatum.
“A simple request. Drain her powers or I’ll kill her.”
I silently bid my soul goodbye. “I’ll need an orb.”
Galen looked at Devlen. He disappeared for a moment and returned with my orb. I snatched it from his hands. Heli backed up to the wall. She shook her head no. Tears streaked her face. Her terrified gaze pleaded with me.
“Her tunic,” I said in a monotone. The glass in my hands buzzed with potential.
“Devlen,” Galen said.
Heli squeaked when he approached her. She looked so young and fragile next to him. He spun her around. The tunic had been tied up her back. Ripping the laces free, he stripped the shirt off her.
“Now,” Galen said.
Glad I had kept my mental barrier between Galen and my emotions, I reached. I connected with Heli’s mind, discovering I could communicate with her. Must be one of those hybrid powers Galen had mentioned. Act like you’ve been stabbed with a knife in your stomach, I said in her mind. Then I bypassed her to contact Devlen.
He stood behind Heli. Focusing on him, I opened my mind to him. Don’t react. Help Quinn. Then I drew his magic into the orb, draining his link to Galen, freeing him of the addiction. And at the same time the last link locked around me, binding me to Galen.
Heli yelped and doubled over, moaning in pain. A little too much, but Galen was distracted by the ringing of diamonds filling my orb. Devlen remained impassive despite the burning pain.
Heli, pretend to pass out. When I shout, create a tornado, blow a big hole in the wall and go,” I ordered. Do not come back.
She swooned and collapsed on the ground. The last of Devlen’s magic chimed into the orb. Galen grabbed the orb, admiring the diamonds sparkling inside. Before he could issue any commands to me, I shouted at Heli to go.
A blast of wind knocked Galen over as sand spiraled into the air. The tiny grains stung my face and arms as I jumped on Galen and wrapped my hands around his neck. An explosion of sound and debris slammed against my back, but I kept squeezing.
He recovered from the surprise and peeled my fingers from his neck. “Stop.” He wheezed with the effort to speak.
I obeyed. I had no choice.
“Get off me.”
My muscles moved without waiting for my approval. I stood as if another worked the controls on my body.
Galen brushed sand off his shirt and pants. “Did you enjoy your last hurrah?” he asked.
I had to be honest. “Yes.”
“Where is she going?”
“Away from here.”
The guards had been knocked unconscious, but a couple more poked their heads into the room.
“Find the young Stormdancer. Don’t get close. Use the blowpipes,” Galen ordered.
They nodded and hurried off. I willed Heli to run faster.
Galen frowned. “You will pay for that.” He glanced at Devlen’s prone form. Heli’s mini tornado had knocked him over and pieces of wood from the hole she blasted had pierced his skin. The tattoo ink still stained his skin, but the blood magic was gone.
“Heal him,” Galen ordered me, probably thinking it would be a punishment.
When I turned toward Devlen, Galen added, “And then heal yourself. Your back is a mess.”
Funny, I didn’t feel any pain. I reached around and touched my shoulder blade, setting it on fire. My fingers came away sticky with blood.
I knelt next to Devlen as he struggled to sit up.
“I’m fine,” he said, pushing my hands away from his bloody torso.
But it didn’t matter; I plucked the splinters from his skin. He winced in pain. Galen hadn’t said to be gentle and, if I was too nice, he would be suspicious.
The guards called Galen away. After ordering me to stay, he stepped outside.
Once Devlen’s wounds were clear, I checked to make sure Galen was gone before reaching around and coating my fingers with my own blood.
“Opal.” Devlen grabbed my clean hand. “I need to explain.”
“Later.” I smeared my blood into his cuts, taking as much from my back as possible.
His eyes widened and he seized both my wrists. “No.”
“Trust me. It’s to protect you.”
He released them without hesitation. “How?”
“To quote Leif, you’ll stink of magic, but won’t have any power. You’re on your own for the rest.” When I finished, I traced his wounds with a fingertip. I imagined them as cracked glass and I applied the magic like applying heat to the crack. The skin melted together, leaving behind bright purple scars. Lingering over his body, I didn’t hurry. He had worked hard while in prison, building muscle tone.
Devlen twined his fingers in mine, bringing them to his lips. He kissed the back of my hand. “I knew you weren’t dead.”
“I have to obey Galen’s orders. And as soon as he remembers to order me to remove the magical barrier between us, he’ll be able to read my emotions as well. Understand?”
“Yes.”
“Since you don’t have magic, he can read your emotions now. So be careful.”
“I will.” He glanced over my shoulder and dropped my hand. A scowl creased his forehead.
“What’s taking so long?” Galen asked, but he didn’t wait for an answer. “Finish up. Dev
len, help her.”
He tried to be easy as he tugged the splinters free, but a few had been driven in deep. I admired Heli’s strength as I gritted my teeth. The hole in the wall where one of the rooms had been could fit a grown man.
“That’s all of them,” Devlen said.
“I need to see the damage. Is there a mirror anywhere?” I asked.
Galen grumped. “Use Devlen.”
Appearing disgruntled, I instructed Devlen to trace the cuts as I had done for him. Then, closing my eyes, I sent him the hot magic to seal the wounds. For a brief moment I tasted his torment over watching me obey Galen and not being able to help me.
Stifle it, I sent to Devlen.
When I finished, I marveled at the ease of healing. Even after all the magic I used, I felt energetic.
Galen ordered me to find Heli. When I moved to leave the barracks, he grabbed my arm. “With your magic.”
“Oh.” Pulling thin strands from the power blanket, I sent them from me, weaving a web. He didn’t specify how fast, so I moved as slow as cooling glass. I searched every nook and cranny, being very thorough. It occurred to me that I might be able to capitalize on the loopholes in his orders. Specifics would be essential.
I found Heli hiding in a cave on the north coast, east of the Bloodroses’ beach. Rocky cliffs extended along the peninsula before smoothing out. The water had carved caverns deep into the cliffs. If not for me, it would have been a perfect hiding spot.
“Did you find her?” Galen asked.
I couldn’t shut my mouth. “Yes.”
“Tell me her exact location.”
Feeling horrible, I gave him directions. He ordered me to stay put and took Devlen with him, but he returned an instant later. “Almost forgot. Don’t use your magic to warn her.”
Not good. Galen was catching on. However Galen didn’t know Heli wasn’t alone. When I was certain they were gone, I sought Kade. A strong barrier surrounded him. I tapped on it and he opened his mind to me, welcoming me in with astounded relief.
Opal! Thank fate you’re alive! What’s going on? Where are you? What—
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